Friend is named all-state

Shelby Friend has been considered one of the area's top softball players the past four years.

And the Newburg High School standout now has an all-state award to prove it.

Friend, a four-year starter for the Newburg High School softball team, has been named to the Missouri Class 1 All-State Second Team as a pitcher, it was announced this week.

Despite playing with a knee injury which will require off-season surgery, Friend was considered the area's top pitcher this fall, helping the Lady Wolves put together a 17-3 record, during which they finished second in the Frisco League standings with a 6-1 mark and advanced to the district tournament title game.

Friend had all-state type of numbers both in the pitching circle and at the plate.

She earned all-state as a pitcher with her 17-3 record and 0.99 ERA. She also struck out 188 and walked just 30 in 119 2/3 innings pitched while allowing 67 hits.

Friend was the lone Frisco League player selected all-state this year.

The all-state teams were selected by the Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association. The Class 1-3 all-state teams have been released while the Class 4 team is still being put together.

St. Elizabeth (17-9), which defeated Newburg in the Missouri Class 1 District 6 Tournament championship game, had two players selected to the Class 1 All-State First Team - senior infielder Savannah Stiles and junior catcher Emma Kemna.